Damping device for sonic waveguides

Abstract

A damping element for use with a waveguide that supports a current pulse and results in a torsional or longitudinal strain wave is disclosed. The damping element is to dampen the reflection of the strain wave and includes a sleeve surrounding the waveguide and a mechanism for applying pressure on the sleeve so the sleeve exerts pressure on the waveguide, thereby gradually dampening the strain wave energy along the length of the waveguide surrounded by the damping element sleeve to prevent reflection of the strain wave.

What is claimed as invention is: 
     
       1. A damping element for use with a waveguide having an end remote from electronics connected to the waveguide, comprising: an inner, tubular sleeve coaxial with the waveguide and surrounding the waveguide;   pressure means including an outer tubular sleeve coaxial with and surrounding said inner tubular sleeve for causing said inner, tubular sleeve to apply pressure to the waveguide along the length of the inner tubular sleeve.   
     
     
       2. The damping element of claim 1, wherein said outer sleeve is crimped to set the pressure of said inner sleeve on the waveguide. 
     
     
       3. The damping element of claim 2, wherein said outer sleeve is comprised of metal. 
     
     
       4. The damping element of claim 1, wherein said outer sleeve is comprised of a shape retaining material, said material exerting force on said inner sleeve to exert pressure on the waveguide. 
     
     
       5. The damping element of claim 4, wherein said outer sleeve is comprised of elastomer. 
     
     
       6. The damping element of claim 1, wherein there is further included a tuning wire, said tuning wire being adjacent to and extending longitudinally along the waveguide; said inner sleeve surrounding said tuning wire and said pressure means exerting pressure on said tuning wire through said inner sleeve.   
     
     
       7. The damping element of claim 1, wherein said inner sleeve is comprised of a fine, hard material. 
     
     
       8. The damping element of claim 7, wherein said fine, hard material is ceramic. 
     
     
       9. The damping element of claim 7, wherein said fine, hard material is glass. 
     
     
       10. The damping element of claim 7, wherein said fine, hard material is a metal. 
     
     
       11. The damping element of claim 7, wherein said fine, hard material is a plastic. 
     
     
       12. The damping element of claim 1, wherein said inner sleeve is stranded and the strand count is between eight and sixteen. 
     
     
       13. The damping element of claim 1, wherein said inner sleeve is stranded and the weave configuration is diamond, regular, or hercules. 
     
     
       14. The damping element of claim 1, wherein there is included first means for minimizing energy reflection of said inner sleeve. 
     
     
       15. The damping element of claim 14, wherein said first means includes a second sleeve, said second sleeve coaxial with the waveguide and surrounding the waveguide, said second sleeve being located between the electronics and said inner sleeve. 
     
     
       16. The damping element of claim 15, wherein said second sleeve and said inner sleeve have damping characteristics, said damping characteristics of said second sleeve being less effective than said damping characteristics of said inner sleeve. 
     
     
       17. The damping element of claim 15, wherein said second sleeve has a face facing toward said inner sleeve, said face forming a plane substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the waveguide. 
     
     
       18. A damping element for use with a waveguide having an end remote from electronics connected to the waveguide comprising: an inner sleeve coaxial with the waveguide and surrounding the waveguide;   pressure means connected to said inner sleeve for causing said inner sleeve to apply pressure to the waveguide;   a wire, said wire being adjacent to and insulated from the waveguide, said wire and the waveguide being surrounded by said inner sleeve.   
     
     
       19. A damping element for use with a waveguide having an end remote from electronics connected to the waveguide comprising: an inner sleeve coaxial with the waveguide and surrounding the waveguide;   pressure means connected to said inner sleeve for causing said inner sleeve to apply pressure to the waveguide;   wherein said inner sleeve includes a face, facing towards the electronics, said face being at an angle with respect to a plane perpendicular to the axis of the waveguide.   
     
     
       20. The damping element of claim 19, wherein said angle is between 40° and 50°. 
     
     
       21. A damping element for use with a waveguide having an end remote from electronics connected to the waveguide, comprising: a primary sleeve coaxial with the waveguide and surrounding the waveguide having first damping characteristic to minimize reflection of said primary sleeve; secondary means coaxial with the waveguide and surrounding the waveguide, having second damping characteristics to minimize reflection of said secondary means;   said secondary means located between said primary sleeve and the electronics;   said second damping characteristics being less effective than said first damping characteristics.   
     
     
       22. The damping element of claim 21, wherein said secondary means includes a second sleeve. 
     
     
       23. The damping element of claim 22, wherein said second sleeve has a face facing toward said primary sleeve, said face forming a plane substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the waveguide.